On March 10, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in opposition to SB 733 – Land Use – Definitions and Boards of Appeals.
As drafted, the bill would totally upend the current residential development process by dramatically expanding the universe of veto points for development projects. Under this proposed framework, housing production in Maryland would likely grind to a complete stop.
This legislation would significantly expand the scope of appeals related to local zoning and development decisions. The proposal would broaden who may challenge administrative actions, widen the range of decisions subject to appeal, and automatically pause projects while appeals are pending.
Counties warn that these changes could add new layers of delay and uncertainty to the development process at a time when the State and local governments are working together to increase housing supply. Ultimately, the bill’s sweeping changes could disrupt established local planning practices and complicate efforts to advance new housing and community development projects.
Counties welcome tools to help advance housing at all levels, where it fits
within their infrastructure capacity. A central focus for the Administration, local governments, and the public has been assessing how current systems function and where processes can be improved. SB 733 is directly contrary to that end and would create significant challenges for all future development.
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